U.S. News and World Report names LAMS among Best Middle Schools

U.S. News and World Report can confirm what Red Hook residents have known for decades:

Linden Avenue Middle School is among the top middle schools in New York.

The organization on Thursday released its 2025 Best Middle Schools list, with rankings for each state.

The annual list focused heavily on mathematics and reading/language arts state assessment proficiency, with demographics factoring into the calculations.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, the expertise of our faculty and staff, and the tremendous support of our Red Hook community,” Principal Stacie Fenn Smith said.

LAMS joined Red Hook High School in earning praise from U.S. News and World Report; the organization named Red Hook to its Best High Schools list for 2024 in June.

While that list included a national ranking, the middle schools were only compared to others within their states. LAMS ranked 401st for New York, which included charter schools, and fourth in Dutchess County. It was in the 71st percentile of all New York middle schools.

The list weighed state assessment data for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. For math, LAMS was in the top 200 for proficiency.

“We appreciate U.S. News and World Report again recognizing the quality of education and level of student performance found in our school district,” said Dr. Janet Warden, superintendent of schools. “The teachers and faculty at LAMS prepare students for success as they move forward into high school and adulthood.”

Fenn Smith noted, “test scores are just one small piece of the incredible story unfolding here at LAMS.” Linden Avenue Middle School engages students through a variety of extra-curricular opportunities and unique educational experiences through a student-centered approach and collaborative learning.

“In our classrooms, you'll find students tackling real-world challenges through collaborative, hands-on projects that connect them to our community and the world beyond,” Fenn Smith said. “Our teachers prioritize authentic learning experiences and believe students learn best when they're actively engaged in meaningful work they feel personally connected to.”

The staff, too, engages the LAMS students in creative ways. For Halloween, they created a game in which staff members dressed in ghost sheets and posed for photos around the building, and students could guess which ghost was which faculty member. The school has also been buzzing with excitement over math teacher Martha Strever, who has been getting national media attention as the longest serving teacher in New York.

“When students reflect on their experience at Linden Avenue, we hope they find it a great place to learn, have fun and feel a sense of belonging,” Fenn Smith said. “It's our honor and privilege to guide students through these transformative years and it's a responsibility we take to heart.”